Michael Jones in Africa

FUNDRAISING with PHOTOS!!!

2008-05-13T12:17:00.000-07:00

Hope all are doing well. Just wanted to let everyone know that for the months of May and June all of the proceeds from all of the prints that I sell will go to Nyumbani and Heshima Kenya. For more information on the organizations just google them. For information on prints just email me at mhcj40@gmail.com or call at 533-3324. Any of my photos from this blog as well as my travel websight michaeljonesphotography.com will be available. SPREAD THE WORD. THANKS.

The Last Couple of Days.

2007-11-21T02:37:00.000-08:00

Monday was project African Dance. This is for all of you Sunday Funday kids. I spent the afternoon at Bomas of Kenya where I saw over 10 dances from many different tribes. I have video of it all for our weekly classes.
That night we went out with Lynsey, Anne, and three of the volunteers, John, Jen, and Juanita who were getting a week long break from the from the village. We ended up going to Cedars again. This time we got the big Mezze with 24 different dishes. It was goooooood. Although no one ate the chicken liver.
So I thought of our friend and Kibera who had been sick. If you remember, her favorite food was liver. You should have seen her face when I showed her what I had brought her. Although she has not gained much noticeable weight back, she did feel and act much stronger.

On Tuesday, we went to Nyumbani to play with the kids. Fun as always.

We then went to memorial service for Father D'Agastino who passed away one year ago.

It was a celebration of his life.
A good ending to a trip spent with so many things that he created. He was quite the individual.

The sun sets on an amazing trip of eye opening experiences.
Can't wait to talk about it with all of you.

Paridise.

2007-11-18T20:15:00.000-08:00

On Thursday, we departed for the beautiful and unique Lamu. Although we started then returned to Nairobi after 30 min on our first departure. There was a oil temp problem and we returned and after an hour delay departed for Lamu.
One of the many channels the whined around these islands.
The arrived to the grass thatched roof termimal and went to the taxi station to take to boat down to Shella which is about a 40 min walk south of Lamu. It is just beside the 12 km long Shella beach.
We met some new friends along the way. Two Elizabeth and Julia were from Germany and there was also Steve who was from England. They were all interning at teachers as the German school in Nairobi and then traveling afterward.
We went from Manda Island where the planes land over to Lamu Island.

The old Dow boats are everywhere.

Our activity cordinator from the Banana House who that evening had his our bomb box that he walked around with.

DONKEYS ARE EVERYWHERE
Our view into the courtyard.
Our breakfast.
More than 50% of the land is Shella is owned by foreigners. Nice Italian boat.
A slight squall came for a while.
We went up to Lamu in the morning to get a tour of the World Heritage City which is almost all Muslim.

Cars don't fit down these street.
A lamb which will be part of the celebration for the end of this building's completion.

A stone where they used to sharpen their swords.

A little more rain.

The Market.
The fish market.

The meat market

One of the over 20 Mosques all over the city.

Our guide.
Ali Hipi who invited us over to his house for the next evening.
An old chair made with ebony and ivory. Both are not legal any more.

We went on a snorkel and bbq trip with our German friends.

Steve and Julia with Marco our guide.
Fishing, Steering, and Doing the motor at the same time.

We found some big shells.

There was boat race that afternoon.

This is at Ali Hipi's house. He has been inviting people over to his house for 35 years. Lets just say it was very interesting to say the least. It was some good food. We were there with 3 girls from Britain who were Volunteering in Mombasa for a couple of months.

After we ate everyone came out and sang music for US.

Went and hung out at the beach for the last morning . It was nice to say the least. Had some more fun with my buds that I hung out with for the whole time.

There are so many reasons why I will be back here. This place is amazing. More than anything I hope is keeps its character. Things to come back for getting a bottle of Coconut Wine, going to swim with Dolphins, hanging with more of the people, learning more about the history, and many more. By the way they need more teachers and teachers to teach teachers. If there are any takers let me know.

Hello

2007-11-14T11:30:00.000-08:00

The last couple of days we have sadly began to say all of our goodbyes. Yesterday was with Susan. I showed her her video and she cried . She said it was the "best present anyone has ever given her." It feels good to day the least.Today we went and had fun with our buddies Benard and Donna at the really good Lebanese restaurant. Benard is a trip. They do not have school this week so he was also with his friend. Benard and Donna are lucky to have each other. It is beautiful.
Tomorrow we are off to Lamu until Sunday. I am pumped for the beach. I hope the weather will cooperate. It is going to be awesome. A island where the only car is the ambulance. Talk to you later.

Sunday Mass

2007-11-12T02:41:00.000-08:00

Sunday we went back to the Orphanage to Mass and to hang out with the kids, get some more questions answered, of course hang out with the kids.
This week there was a special mass. It was in honor of Mia a volunteer that died five years ago from malaria complications while here at the orphanage. Her family was there to visit the place where she passed away for the first time ever. It was a moving experience for all. After the normal mass, there was a special song that was written for her after her death that a couple of the children sang. Then we went out to the tree which was planted in her honor. The family said a couple of words. In reality as everything should be, it was a celebration of her life. It was beautiful. They all talked of how the happiest they ever heard her was when she was there. Her mother said how in her diary every night she prayed for the children and did not know how she could ever leave them. She will now always be there with them in spirit. So sad for the family and the children who were sobbing with so much death around them. It is ever present in their lives.

But they are still so full of life and love. We can all learn from them.

Giraffes!!!

2007-11-10T22:18:00.000-08:00

On Saturday we went out the Giraffe Center just outside of Nairobi. It was set up to protect a specific type of giraffe which is endangored.

That is a tongue.

It was a nice break from all of the interviews and traveling that we were doing all week. It was also great to go out to dinner last night for Jennifer's birthday. This Italian place just around the corner from our studio. I am not sure weather it was just the fact that I had not had anything like lasagna in a while but it seemed like the best ever. Check out this video below. It is funny.

Dedication of Susan's Library

2007-11-09T05:28:00.000-08:00

This is the first edit of a video showing the dedication of a library to Susan Gold, a Fullbright Scholar from Wisconson, who organized over 4,000 books to be sent to the Nyumbani Village near Kitui, Kenya. Filled with dancing, singing, and wise words.

The Village

2007-11-09T02:41:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday after the 'normal' delays, we caught a Matatu towards Kitui to go back to the village.
We ended up going out there with our new friend George who is in charge of the sustainability of the village. We left town around 3:30 and got to the nearest town to the village around 6:30 where we waited for a ride. This gave us time to have a warm beer (the preference to many Kenyans) while we waited.

Our friend Don, 77, arrived in the morning on the back of a Motorcycle taxi that delivered him from the overnight bus from Mombassa.

All day the Grandmothers weave baskets, which they sell. (part of the big picture to become self sustaining)

Check out the video on the last post about the dedication.

Sister Mary always doing her best to be a teacher and a nun.

Jennifer, Jen, from Austrailia, and Maria, from Spain, hang out after the dedication.

One of the cooks making Japati one of our favorite. A thick tortilla in a way.
We had interviews all day. This one with Nicholas.
Maria and John, from Cleveland

Susan never stops. She also organized the donation of a couple boxes of clothes to the kids.

During all hours of the day the crops must be guarded to prevent monkeys and baboons from stealing the produce. One of them uses this bow and arrow.

It was a very interesting ride back. We picked up a Matatu from this town. A goat hopped out when we were hopping in. We then changed into a bus in the next big town. Luckily we did not have 75 chickens strapped to the top like many busses. Although, I was in the back row which at times was like a bucking bronco.

It is such a small world

Vanashing Gem Updated!!!

2007-11-06T04:49:00.000-08:00

A poem about water and the environment by two girls from Nyumbani Orphanage. Just incredible.

The Weekend

2007-11-04T19:10:00.000-08:00

The last two days have been great. Saturday we went out he the orphanage and spent time with the kids. There were also a group of British Airways flight attendants and captains who were also spending there day there. They do so a couple times a year. They always bring the kids fun things like masks and also do fun projects with them. Following Jennifer stayed in but I went to a BBQ that Anne and Lindsay (Friends who we have been out to dinner with) were having for one of there friends. It was great to go over and hang with a lot of different people who have been here for a while. As well as to go out on the town and see some of the local spots. We went to this place called Klub One which as oh so much fun. There were two parts to the place. One was an outside area with a band and the other was a two level building with plenty of seating inside and out with a dance floor on the bottom level and a pool and sports bar upstairs. Fun place. Even tried to show everyone that white people can dance too. It was good times. Wish there was place like this in Nashville to go dance and hang.
Sunday we went and had a great breakfast at the trustworthy Java House. Then went and wheeled and dealed at he Market. Tips for bargaining a Maasi Market or anyone for that matter in Kenya. The culture of bargaining is an interesting one in Kenya and something that they all enjoy as they tell me. I want to support the culture but $30 for a wooden spoon is mad.
1. Never ever take the first price they give you. It is usually 10 times the actual price of the minimum that they will take.
2. Bring T-Shirts or Hats and other unique goods of your own from the states. Utilizing these to trade gives you a much better price in the end even if it is just a free Jack Daniel's shirt that you got somewhere.
3. Really walk around and look for the best quality stuff. Although this is often difficult with everyone stopping you and asking the standard questions of 'Where are you from?', 'How long have you been here?', and 'What are you doing here?'
4. Start as low as possible with the bidding. They always spit the difference at least 3 times.
5. Be OK with walking away but also be fair these people need the business to support their families.
It is said that for every employed person in Kenya that they support 13 others. Quiet unreal. I accidently erased my photos of the Market but I will get some next week.
If there are any special requests for african goods just let me know. I will deliver. Masks, paintings, blankets, shirts, plates, bowls, and many more. Just email me.
Also went and hung out with my buddy who lives on the street and tried to help him out some more. I ended up giving him a blanket I bought from the market.

An Interview with Donna

2007-11-02T21:52:00.000-07:00

Today we followed our new friend Donna and her foster child who will soon to be officially adopted.
She after many visits over the years she has fallen in love and has found herself doing something she never expected to do, adopting as a widow.

Although she has still much bureaucracy in front of her, she is determined to give her new HIV positive child a new better, longer life in the U.S.
Talking to New loved ones in the states.

This is a sign at school that many of the kids who live a Nyumbani attend. I find it despicable that this children have to be subjected to this as well as the teasing every day. Although just as something such a diabetes, there is no cure for HIV or AIDS but people are now living many decades from their HIV positive diagnosis. We all die someday but these children should not hear this at a place that is supposed to be teaching them. When for most of these children living with HIV will now live many years beyond there days at this primary school, thanks to the help of organizations like PEPFAR and Nyumbani and people like Donna.

The Last Few Days and then smash in with Barbed-Wire

2007-11-01T19:05:00.000-07:00

Tuesday and Wednesday were normal days for us. We interviewed and spent time with Susan all day on Tuesday. Got a lot of great video and she always makes it fun. Then on Wednesday we went down to the Nation and Jennifer spent time there while I walked around and got a lot of photos(with film sorry you can't see it). I also went to this photography exhibit on a Refugee camp near Somalia as well as one about the Tourang Tribe which is all over the northern Sahara. Both had some great images and were not only informative but also moving.
Then there was Thursday which was normal for most of the day. I took Jennifer down to the Nation and then did some more photography down there and then returned to our neighborhood. I spent a lot of the time helping this Tanzanian 17 year old who lives on the streets. A group of kids came with him including his brother who is 7. His brother has now gone off with some other people he says. That there had been fighting in Dar Salaam and him mother had sent them here. I have been bringing him clean water to drink as much as possible and now given him a pair of my shoes. He now says that he wants to go back so we are figuring out how he is going to go do so. I unfortunately have not taken any digital photos yet of him but i will get some soon.
Following I went back downtown to bring Jennifer back home and this is when it got interesting. We walked over to where all of the busses line up and we did not see our bus number 46 so we walked up the street. In less than a block we ran on to a 46 in the long line of busses. We got in line with the rush of people to get onto the bus. Unfortunately the bus began to move, people bunched up and I got out of the way. Unfortunately Jennifer got taken by the crowd and got taken into a fence that was around the the bushes behind us. She sustained a cut across her back from the barbed-wire and was incredibly startled from the event. Fortunately it was only a cut that she endured. Although we got no sympathy from the crowd or bus that sent her into the fence, we did get so from plenty of other citizens around. Fortunately she had gotten tetanus shot and there was no need to go to the hospital. We got home and I did my best nursing on the cut. Everyone will be OK.

Going to Mass on Sunday and then a meeting with Sister Mary on Monday

2007-10-29T23:05:00.000-07:00

Sunday, we went to mass which was filled with plenty of dancing and singing.
Following we played with all of the kids for a while.
We also interview a couple of the older children about Susan Golds program.
We also had an interview with this girl, a 17 year old. She is old enough to have been effected by the virus extensively before Anti-RetroViral drugs.

The interview with Sister Mary was very informative and inspirational. She helped found Nyumbani with Father D'Agostino in 1992 and is now head of the organization since his passing. There were two main things that she wanted everything to know and have. One is that HIV is just a medical condition. It is just like diabetes or HPV. The other is to be 'Compassionate'.

An Education at Lea Toto

2007-10-28T07:21:00.000-07:00

This is Daniel who works at the Lea Toto program. Every month they have a HIV and AIDS educational class for the children of Kibera. All the the kids in the program are invited as well as any siblings or friends who would like to come.
There were actually kids that come with their friends who are HIV positive to learn more about the Virus.
Daniel did a great job of teaching the class. Kept it informative and entertaining.

HIV and AIDS is not just a African issue it is a world wide issue. There were more than 40,000 people every year that are infected in the United States. The most dangerous thing is not knowing. The best way to prevent this Virus from spreading is by testing yourself and educating others. If anyone has not been tested. Please go get tested. We never know until we know. If you don't want to do it alone, I will be glad to go and get tested with you.
As we all should know. There are about 5 different proven ways of transferring a HIV to another. The first two include Mother to Child Transmission either through the birthing process or through breast feeding. The others are sexual intercourse, the sharing of sharp objects such as needles, and blood transfusion.

After a couple of hours, the older children were spit up from the younger children to be able to answer their more specific questions and concerns that they may have.

Susan Gold also came and gave a sexual educational session which seemed to be very helpful the to children. They had lots of questions about their bodies and what they are going though as well as more HIV questions.
I am just so happy that organizations like Nyumbani are education the children about this horrible Epidemic to prevent it from devastating future generations.

A Day at the US Embassy

2007-10-26T22:55:00.000-07:00

Friday we went to the US Embassy which was a great experience and something different to break up being in the slum. It was a 'Town Hall Meeting' to discuss foreign policy, terrorism and security concerns. After the 1998 bombing of the former U.S. embassy in the city centre of Nairobi, the embassy was moved to the outskirts of the city. They defiantly did not let cameras in to or near the Embassy. The Ambassador, Michael Ranneberger, was very welcoming and tried to address every concern of the American people. Here are some things that we learned while we were there. $500 million will be given to Kenya in 2008 through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) making Kenya the second largest PEPFAR recipient. $20 million will be given to Kenya in 2008 through the President’s Malaria Initiative. Despite the U.S. travel warning still in place for Kenya, American tourism to Kenya is booming. By the end of 2007, 100,000 American will have visited Kenya. Only the U.K. sends more of its citizens to Kenya than the U.S. And $1.5 billion comes from the U.S. (through official government donations, non-profits, private donors, etc.), which accounts for 16% of Kenya’s gross domestic product. To say the least we have a huge footprint on this country every year. This gave me perspective on how we spend money here compared with other places all around the planet. Also on the efficiency of our money spent and the good that it does. Our money in Kenya is something to be proud of and something to push for more. More than ever I understand to need to invest in developing countries for education, sustainable projects, and perspective.

A day of wash and back to Kibera

2007-10-25T22:03:00.000-07:00

So I have never actually washed all of my clothes by hand. Maybe one or two things on a camping trip but never a whole load of clothes. It was quite the new experience. Not something that I would do every week or two at home but I am sure that it saves a lot of energy. There is something nice about hanging up you clothes to dry in the sun. Although I don't think that I rinsed them out very well because they were kind of crusty when they were dry. Well, maybe better next time.
On Thursday we met up with a lady named Andrea who is an american citizen that married a Kenyan. She has been helping at in a couple of pre-schools around Kibera and is now pregnant with her own child.
She first took us here to Jamii.

The kids were oh so welcoming and playful as always.

Andrea, pictured above with Jennifer, then took us to Little Rock Day Care, which is a day care unlike many others. This one has taken on the challenge at taking care of children with and without disabilities such as down syndrome and cerebral palsy. A challenge in a society that leaves most of this children behind. However they do an incredible job.

Here they were practicing for there Christmas play.

They also started putting together an after-school library and physical therapy center for children who have gone off the primary school.
The organization also has another part of there organization where deaf children are pre-schooled and taught sign-language. This is done with the help of a Norwegian non-profit.
It is amazing what two Kenyans, Christine (above) and Lilly, have done for these children who otherwise would have to be sent far away from their families to be educated.

Kibera, utter hopelessness but wait there has to be a way.

2007-10-23T13:15:00.000-07:00

Today, we went back to spend time with Lea Toto program in this place that is life changing, Kibera. Ok so, the first time we went there I was in shock. Today I really realized what I was really experiencing. Rows and rows of metal, wood, and mud shacks as far as the eye can see. People who have to pay every time they go to the bathroom. They walk distances to water that they have to still boil after paying. Work? There are shops of goods and foods all over almost set up like the ones on street corners in big cities. But most have to walk miles for Jobs that may exist that day or not. Didn't all of these people come here for jobs? I guess that the kids parents at he day care have jobs. Most people do not like photos taken of them so it is hard to get the photos that I want of the layout of the land. Upsetting anyone is the last thing that I would want to do. This place is just so overwhelming.

We went with Sister Joyce (below) around again to a couple of homes. This was the first. A 16 year old kid(above) taking care of her sick 14 year old cousin(below). She is only 50 lbs. Stopped going to school two months ago but loves science and her favorite food is liver. I thought that my Granddad was the only person who loved liver. Anyway, her spirit seemed high and she smiled often. They were oh so welcoming to us. Did I say that this was overwhelming. There really are no words...

We went to this Woman's home and visited her and her 1 month old baby. She had moved there a couple of years ago with her husband and her 4 brothers. She found out that the had the virus when she was pregnant with her first child who is now 4. It is now a law in Kenya that everyone pregnant has to have an AIDS test. Below is a view of her decorated ceiling. She married for stability. Now however she is the only one of her siblings that work and they all live in her place. She says that her bothers are all depressed and just drink. How do all of these people suddenly find themselves in this all so terrifying place?

Not only how do we get them out but how do we prevent them from coming. I understand that it is just part of a process of urbanization and development. But it must stop. They must feel as if where there villages where they come from have hope, steady food and shelter. How can we create that? So it will prevent them from coming to this place where no human should live.
I think that the answer is in creating villages like the Nyumbani Village. By creating Kibbutzim all over the country it would enable them to have work, food, as well as a shelter that far surpasses Kibera. That is the only way, Sustainable Development. Without sustainable development places like Kibera will continue to grow and trap these people that come here with so much hope. There has to be a future for these children.

We went back to Lea Toto and spent more time a the day car and fed them lunch.

I was feeding this kid. I know from the messiness it is obvious.

Safari!!!

2007-10-22T06:16:00.000-07:00

Our trip was amazing. This was at the lunch stop our first day.
This was at the border town to Tanzania where we started on the 'African Highway to Amboseli Reserve' as our driver told us.
Most of the park is a dust bowl.

Mt Kilimanjaro in the background.

Animals as far as the eye can see. During the dry season which we are at the end of, they all crowd around the water sources.

This was at the end of our trip to the Maasi Village. It was lets say interesting. Kind of a tourist trap a fee to go there. However there culture is facinating. It revolves entirely around cows. They have a diet of milk and blood from the cow, their houses are partly made of cow dung, and at every major celebration they give as well as eat a cow. They danced for us which was fun. Showed us how they make fire as well as some of the Medicine Man techniques. Then of course hurried us on to their 'no pressure Gift Shop' that was far from it. It is amazing how this culture has survived for centuries without money. However now gives the impression that it needs it. I know for them cows are power but how many cows can you get. Just from my western perspective the young seem to have lost their way and lie and cheat to get the all mighty dollar.

Our camp at Amboseli was part of the Maasi Village and benefited them. We even heard a Lion ROAR all to close to us when we were in our tent. And Elephants were only yards away. Although the monkeys were a nuisance to day the least. They tried to relieve themselves on us in all ways as much as they could. Lets just say Jennifer got unlucky. But being so close to all of these animals is just amazing. I LOVE it. After two nights here we travelled all day on Wednesday to Maasi Mara

Narok was our last stop before the Mara. The road there from Nairobi is the worst I have ever experienced.

These are some of the many Wildebeest that did not make it across the river.

This is who I ran into on my way to just take some photos of the sunset. Maasi are only scared of Elephants. Now I know why. I came around a tree and suddenly he was there. Turned towards me flapped it ears and trumpeted a very loud warning. I slowly went the other way.

This is part of the free for all that happens on dirt HWYs with busses, trucks, cars, and vans.
This is at Lake Naivasha. Our hope on Friday night.

We got to ride around Hells Gate in bikes watching Baboons, Zebras, Cape Buffalo, Warthogs, and more.

We also got to hike down into a canyon where there were hot springs bubbling everywhere.

This is Minor, our driver, Muthago, our guide, and Anthony, our cook who kept us safe, full, and seeing nature at its best. There is nothing like watching thousands of animals in there habitat.

Couple days of Reflection and Excitment for the Week.

2007-10-14T12:31:00.000-07:00

Saturday and Sunday have been a time to get our head around everything that we had experienced all week. It had been more than eye opening. We also spent time exploring our neighborhood a little more as well as preparing for out week long Safari this next week. Being out in the wilderness camping all week with Muthaga will give us plenty of time to reflect as well as plan on how we are going to tackle and get deeper into the issues and situations that we have seen this week. We have plans to spend much more time at all three Nyumbani programs as well as delve into others when we return. We have only really skimmed the surface. Sorry no updates this week but in a week. Plenty of animals and beautiful scenes of Mount Kilimanjaro, the Masaai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Hells Gate, and Lake Nakuru. Talk to you in a week.

Into Kibera and off to Nyumbani Village near Katui

2007-10-12T22:53:00.000-07:00

We drove into Kibera and were meet by Daniel one of the Staff at Lea Toto. He explained much of what this program does. See Nyumbani.org and click on Lea Toto.
One aspect is a day care for some of the many HIV positive children in this huge slum. Kibera is roughly 2 Kilometres squared with an estimated population of 1 million people. There are no residential buildings over a single story. The average home size in Kibera is 3 meters by 3 meters, with an average of five persons per dwelling. Urban services such as water or sanitation are minimal. There is an average of one pit latrine for every 50 to 500 people.

There is also a clinic where children receive medical help as well as meds and nutritional supplements for their HIV and AIDS positive bodies.

We also walked around the area and found this small orphanage/school that is little more than 15 by 15 feet with at least 12 kids.
On the left is Sister Joyce one of the Lea Toto staff who provide counseling for the many families. Then there is Martha the lady who is the Mother/Teacher for the children in this small home.

In the middle a volunteer who helps Martha with the children during the day.

This is a home where we spent some time. Sister councils the family where both the parents and two of the 4 children are HIV positive.

Trash is thrown anywhere and everywhere. Included in this are 'flying toilets', which are essentially plastic bags full of you know what that are thrown anywhere and everywhere.

Paul another one of the staff which run Lea Toto.

We then went back to the Nyumbani Village and their Clinic before going out to Kitui.

They not only test children there but also test blood for them from the surrounding Hospitals.

We then traveled out to Kitui which was an epic journey to say the least. Wish I had some photos to capture this. We left the orphanage at 4 and went to pick up one of the staff in town before going on towards Kitui. We did not get to the Village until 11:30 that evening after a hour long stop for dinner. It is supposed to only be a three hour journey. About two and a half were in the city and the rest was weaving on and off of two lane roads passing busses, and trucks. Much of the road was under construction and when it was the road detoured onto what seemed like a dirt and mud off-road vehicle course. What was incredible was that cars and busses were going on this road. Some was smooth or little was. Most had huge pot holes.
Got up at sunrise the next morning with Ed and walk around.

Ran into many of the Kids walking to school.

Kenyans win Gold Metals in the Olympics for good reason. They are fast.

They recycle almost everything even everyone's poop.

They are a 100 % organic farm. The water that they collect from wells are pumped via solar power into drip irrigation. This is all done in a semi-arid part of the country.
The guy in the middle scares away all of the Monkeys and Baboons.
Ed is the head of the volunteers who sold everything to come here.
This is Don a 77 year old man who has utilized wood cutting equipment donated by an Italian to make desks for the school. He is going to be here for three months.

Don with John who had just arrived from Cleveland that day will be there for 6 months.
Nicholas who heads not only this project but also Lea Toto is just amazing.

This is where they make the bricks that are utilized for the making of the buildings. The only thing that is brought in are the steel roofs for construction. They are even starting to make Italian style tile for the roofs. The goal is that within 5 years it will become fully self sustaining without any outside investment. It is quite amazing how they have identified a problem in society where children and grandparents have been orphaned by AIDS and how they have created this new sustainable village. Can't wait to go back and spend more time. This is my kind of place. So glad I got to spend some of the day there on my B-Day. By the way thanks for all the B-day love. We wanted to stay longer but there was no guaranteed ride back later so we returned. Luckily we went back another way that had much better roads. Even an newly paved one. We returned to the city and then went to a really good dinner at Cedars, an amazing Lebanese restaurant. Overall a life changing two days.

To the Nation and a whole day at Nyumbani

2007-10-10T13:17:00.000-07:00

Tuesday went back down town for Jennifer to meet up with her contacts at The Nation. It was quite interesting going to the base of the largest newspaper in East Africa. It is based in this huge building. For us to get clearance to go into it took some time. However, they were very welcoming and are allowing us to utilize all of their facilities and contacts. It is also a direct contact to possibly get stories published in the Nation while we are here.Sister Joyce and one of the kids
Not sure why but kids all over always give the thumbs up when you take there picture.

Protus is one of the most kind, supportive and caring people I have ever met.

Today, Wednesday, was another great one. We went out to Nyumbani early to hang with the kids all day. When we got there we had a huge surprise that they had also found out about that morning. They told us the former President Moi was on his way to greet the kids and have a ceremony for the donation of food from his organization. After all, it was Moi Day. This is why the kids were not at school and were all there. The other day it was only the young ones that were there.

I think yeah great P.R. stunt that Jennifer can write about and we may get something in the paper. But this is Kenya. Seems as if timing is something of an issue here. Nothing happens on time. They expect them a little while after we arrive at between 10 and 11. Here we all are at the entrance drive with 100 kids playing and waiting.
At least it gave us time to hang with everyone involved, including some of the Board members. One of which has been a Ambassador for Kenya to the U.S.A. Although they left once the disappointment came.

Noon roles around and a representative of the government comes and says that he is coming. The district commissioner has everyone set up chairs and then the kids sit there for a while longer. Everyone gets really hungry sitting in the sun waiting.

Below is one of the 'mothers' with her 'family' as well as her family. Here they are all one.
So then the we all go eat. Then the commissioner tells us that he is not coming because of a mix up the the timing and planing but he is sending a General in his place. This ends up happening around 2. Disappointing but what would you expect from a corrupt president that stole millions from his people. At least he is giving back some.

But most importantly gave use time to have so much fun with all the children which call Nyumbani home.

Tomorrow off to Kibera a slum of Nairobi where an estimated 800,000 people live. Then afterward to the Village in which Nyumbani is involved. We plan on being back on Friday but may end up staying longer. Talk to you when we return. Remember for a journalist's perspective check out ensjourneytokenya.blogspot.com. The girl can write and really put a story together. More photos are here though.

Day at Nyumbani

2007-10-09T01:36:00.000-07:00

CLICK ON ANY OF THESE 9 Posters and learn more about the organization. They have three major projects. One as an orphanage and hospice for over 100 children, another to distibute drugs and aids education to many of the slums surrounding Nairobi, and the other to create a self sustaining village of orphans and elderly left alone by AIDS. The village concept is amazing and is something that must be replicated all over Africa with so many families being effected by this disease. The only limit to this is funds. There are so many great organizations here that need financial help.

Protus the Head of the Orphanage portion of this great organization.

Some of the volunteers being orientated to go to the village by Ed. He is a former school principal who has quit his job, sold his house, and moved to Kenya to head up the volunteer program at the village in Katui. We plan on traveling there on Thursday night and staying until Sunday.

This is Susan Gold, an incredible individual, who has been at Nyumbani since January. Susan, a Nurse from Wisconsin, who has received a Fulbright Scholarship for developing a sexual educational program that teaches children about sex, their bodies, their immune systems, HIV/AIDS, STD prevention and contraception. There is such a need for sexual education here in Kenya because it's hardly even taught in the school system or children only hear about the option of abstinence. Her program has been so successful that PEPFAR (President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) is going to fund her to return to Kenya in February next year once her Fulbright is over so she can continue running her program until she can eventually hand it over to the Kenyan government to run. Proving that one person can make a difference.

They all rushed out to meet us.

There was dancing and singing like I will never forget. They were so happy to do it for us.

It was an joy to say the least spending time with these kids who have such lifelong battle. On Wednesday, we are returning to spend the whole day with them.

That night we met up with our new friend Anne Sweeney at an Ethiopian restaurant not too far from our apartment. Anne from Chicago has lived in Kenya on and off for the past 10 years with UNHCR and many other refugee organizations from the United States. She just recently started a non-profit that works with refugee children in Kenya and tries to resettle them. It is a much needed organization that is going to provide a peg in a gapping gap in NGO care. She just recently developed the organization and is in need of donations. For more information please go to www.heshimakenya.org. Every little bit counts. The meal was gooooooood. First time I had eaten meat since we had arrived. Didn't have any bad effects though. Good day very good day.

Matatus, Buses, and Animals!

2007-10-07T13:20:00.000-07:00

A Matatu

Dogs aren't the only ones.

Today was an interesting one. We went over another intimidating hurtle today by riding the bus. You may say bus no problem but the buses in Nairobi are a little different. A huge percentage of the city get around using them due to there inexpensive fees which are between 30 and 75 cents. They are run by many different private companies so lets just say they are in competition. They are all yelling out of there Buses saying mostly where they are going but I am not sure what else. Then there are van's called Matatus which are 15 Nissan passenger mini vans that mirror the bus routes. Not sure how they fit so many people into one but after being in one today have a little better understanding. Somehow I had my own seat. It is quite hard knowing where any of the buses go because there is no map of there routes that I can find anywhere. If you can find one online please let me know where. There are ust a lot of numbers like any other city with there end destination. Luckily we knew that we were going to the Nairobi National Park and in a guide book they told us the numbers of the busses that we could take from town to the park. It is a park only 8km from the city center that has almost any animal that you could hope to see in Africa. It even has the largest concentration of Black Rhino in the world. We were going there for Safari ride around the park that they do every Sunday for cheep but it was being used for a "prior commitment" (which was the Rangers doing what looked like training.)
These rangers do need serious training because they are doing it to protect all the animals from poachers many have lost there lives doing so. So we ended up going to the Animal Orphanage and hope to go back another weekend for the ride and walk though the park. Our adventure to the Orphanage was fun.
The excitement was mostly due to the fact that our guide in the park took us back to the little babies which are not in view to the public yet. It was against the rules but so cool. The cheetahs that we saw were only a couple of weeks old and so funny. We also go to get very close to some huge Lions. Don't worry they are lazy and part napping. Following this adventure we made our way back to the the place. Tomorrow off to the Nyumbani Orphanage to meet with some of the people who run it. Can't wait.

A couple days Downtown

2007-10-05T00:12:00.000-07:00

Our day begins going downtown to familiarize ourself more with the city and to meet up with Muthoga who picked us up at the airport.
Kalyo comes and picks us up and our first stop is the memorial to the U.S. Embassy bombing by al Qaeda in 1998 which killed 212 and injured more than 4000. t was a sobering experience with a small museum with images from the day along with small vials which contained glass shards and nails that had been recovered from survivors bodies. Sadly it is something that has become a possibility anywhere in the world. However most of the area is a nice park with people excaping from the hustle and bustle of the city for a rest on the grass or meet with a friend. There are also quotes of Peace and nonviolence all around the park.One of which that I did not get a shot of was from Martin Luther King, who said," Violence never solved anything." How true I think that is. Following that we went to the main convention center to get a view of the city and surrounding area from the top of the tower.It was a beautiful view and then back down to explore the city for a while. Interesting thing that we noticed is that everyone is dressed up. Everyone. I could have counted the number of people not in collared shirts on one hand all day. Most people are in coat and ties and the women in dresses. This is not just downtown either it is also in our neighborhood.
You just see people hanging on the side of the road sitting in the grass wearing there suit. Quite interesting since it is 80 every day all year pretty much. So after exploring for a while we meet with Muthoga who is just great at a nice outdoor cafe for some beers.We talked of some of the activities that we would want to do. He was a NOLS trip guide here for many years. Now he has his own travel company and many great contacts which will help us in our travels all around Kenya as well as in Kibera a slum of Nairobi. This is where the film Constant Gardener was filmed and where the organization Nyumbani distibutes many of its anti viral drugs. I believe that Jen has shifted much of her focus for her articles to sustainable development as well as to the effects of the AIDS virus on the communities of Africa with a focus on the Nyumbani. Muthoga as well as his friend Michael and the two of us had a great discussion on these issues and the political situation of Kenya. Interesting fact is that the President has the power to pick any day in December to be the election day. It is all up to him he can do this at any time. The day was growing dim. So we went back with Kaylo and he did his things on the streets. I have not said anything about the traffic. It is nutz. Downtown it is just congested and a lot of circles with lights at the main circles, but out if the downtown it is a free for all. All of the intersections are really just 4 way Yields. This situation can get quite exciting when there is a huge bus coming from your right or left with which the driver plays chicken. We make it back our our place for some snacks and our nightly viewing of an episode of Always Sunny in Philadelphia, which seems to lighten things up. Today started an interesting morning of trying to get our rent money to our place from the bank. Thankfully we got it there but it just was a little exciting as we waited for a trustworthy ride back to our place. After we weaved our way back downtown to meet with Shashank a reporter from the States who has been living in Kenya for two years covering all of Africa.He gave us some more helpful tips on taking the buses called Matatus as well as cuisine. But with everything he said it just made us feel more comfortable and welcome to be in this place that seemed so foreign and dangerous just a week ago.

We have Arrived

2007-10-03T23:40:00.000-07:00

This happened on the second leg of the plane trip over. The standard spill but this time involving OJ and two people asleep to my right that I did not have the heart to wake up. Saw who I think was John Legend getting off the plane. Luckily with the shirt inside out you could not tell at all so I did not get any weird looks from John or hard questions while in line getting a visa.
We were welcomed into Kenya with open arms from our new friend Muthoga who greeted us with that familiar Kenyan smile that I remembered from last time I was here. Muthoga a local guide is someone who we hope will send us on incredible jouneys into the beautiful wilderness as well as to meet some of the many tribes of Kenya. It was a blessing having such a happy and cheerful man there the welcome us.

We then arrived into our cozy 150sq/ft apartment that has everything we need. Although it is not a large as my lens makes this look . How lucky we are though to have the opportunity to have this space as our own for the next 7 weeks.
Our first full day here we woke up and called Kaylo another new friend who will be our taxi driver for most of the time when we are here. He has been a driver for many years for Journalist from the U.S.A. and was very helpful in getting our cell phone as well as familiarizing us with the city. I had decided not to bring my camera gear into town until I was more familiar with my surroundings (Nairobi is known by some as Nairobbery) but did get a shot of this beautiful flowering tree that lined the streets with Jennifer's camera. The next thing I know Kaylo says, "Well looks like there is a lot of police around here." We jump out of the car and are then in the bustling streets of Nairobi, which I hope to get more photos of so you can see. It was the fastest purchase of a phone and plan ever. Then go back out of town getting stopped on the way by the President's motorcade but after a short delay we get to our local mall and enter the parking after our car is searched by guards. We get all of our supplies and food that we need from YaYa center which is only about a 10 to 15 min walk from our place. We then get back and settle in (set up internet, talk to family, etc). Then realize that we are out of minutes already on our phone and decide to walk back to the mall to get more minutes and explore our neighborhood. There are street vendors along and way and everyone is welcoming. We even meet some new friends on the way that go to school nearby. Overall a very good first day. Now today we hope to get in touch with many more contacts including some from Nyumbani which is an incredible local organization which you can google to learn more about. In short though they have a Orphanage of kids affected by HIV and AIDS as well as a village they have set up to help these orphans and Elderly who have been affected by this terrible epidemic to become self sustaining. Later.

Here We Go

2007-10-01T00:18:00.000-07:00

October 1st is suddenly here and I leave from Nashville arrive in JFK. Then fly from JFK and arrive in London Heathrow the morning of the next day. Not until that evening at 8:45 do we arrive in Nairobi. That is in Kenyan time which is 8 hrs ahead by the way.
Unforunately Abraham who is a Lost Boy of Sudan did not receive all of the needed paperwork in time to be able to leave today with us. Hopefully, he will receive it in the next few weeks and meet us there at the end of this month. For the mean time we will spend time at several orphanages for HIV positive children and also with an organization that distibutes medicine in Kibera, which is an area of Nairobi. We will also be spending time with the Dinka and Masi tribes of Eastern Africa, possibly climbing Mt. Kenya, and going on a safari or two. Next time I shall be writing to you from the soil of Africa, the mother land. Thank you all for you well wishes. I shall talk to you once I figure out the internet there. Later.

Perspective

2007-09-19T13:35:00.000-07:00

So, just found out that the place that we will be staying in Nairobi has wireless. I will be able to update this on a daily basis when we are there. Quite amazing. However, I am sure that it will be at dial up 56K speeds. Crazy world in which we live. Here we all are addicted to the internet. Rather addicted to being connected. Now this is the tool that connects. The incident of the day or week occurs and we all clammer around the screen and watch the latest OJ clip or controversy like Andrew Meyer. People then derive their own perspective weather they are right or wrong. What is right what is wrong? What can be done to make the wrong right? I hope to find some answers to this in my upcoming travels and gain new perspectives.

Photo

2007-09-18T23:39:00.000-07:00

It is all about new roads.